Delivered in partnership with The SociaI Investment Consultancy (TSIC) and the EIRIS Foundation, the Racial Equity Scorecard evaluates the racial equity performance of UK companies, enabling investors to act in public markets and companies to respond directly within their own organisations.

‘Make It Big’ is here to fill a crucial gap in support for Black and Ethnically Minoritised-led charities and social enterprises, helping them to strengthen your foundation and prepare for social investment. This guidance document outlines the details for organisations interested in being involved in its second round.

Produced in 2023, this document provides an overview of Pathway’s work - why we’re here, what we’re doing, and what’ll we’ll be working towards. This provides an invaluable insight into the social investment ecosystem, understood through the lens of racial equity.

Whilst not authored or commissioned by Pathway, ‘Reclaiming the Future’ is, in many respects, Pathway Fund’s foundational document - it recommending that we be brought into existence, to Government and the sector, more widely. Our co-founders, were pleased to be able to contribute, to its content.

Pathway Fund uses this briefing paper to show that social investment in the housing market, is a key tool, essential for the driving of equity and the catalysing of Black and Ethnically Minoritised communities, in every port of the UK. It shows that those communities, if catalysed, can bring huge benefit to the nation, as a whole.

In a world where access to opportunities can shape futures, Motivez stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young people from underserved communities. As recipients of Round 1 of the Make it Big grant (a collaboration with Pathway Fund), Motivez is proving that when opportunity meets ambition, the results are transformative. Do it Now Now (DiNN) spoke to the team at Motivez to understand their mission, their challenges, and how the funding from DiNN is driving them towards greater impact. Motivez helps young people to access STEM jobs and become changemakers.

Area of Focus: Young People

Ultra Education CIC is more than just an organisation—it’s a lifeline for children and young people who may not otherwise have access to the opportunities they need to thrive. As one of the recipients of Do it Now Now’s Make it Big with Pathway Fund programme, Ultra Education’s mission is clear: to empower young, Black and Ethnically-Minoritised minds to create their own opportunities through entrepreneurship. With a focus on providing life-changing support to children and teens, this grassroots organisation is building a foundation for a brighter, more inclusive, more prosperous, future.

Area of Focus: Young People

At the heart of You Press, a grassroots social enterprise dedicated to empowering young voices, stands Farah Mohammoud—a social entrepreneur with a clear mission: to give a voice to the often-overlooked. Founded in 2011 as a youth social action campaign, You Press was Farah’s answer to the social inequalities he witnessed growing up in East London. Driven by his community’s resilience and his own dedication to personal growth, Farah has transformed You Press into a beacon of empowerment, fostering creative expression and community impact through writing, media, and the arts.

Area of Focus: Young People

Our partners, Do it Do it Now Now (DiNN) used this blog to announce the recipients of Round 1 of its collaborative programme, "Make it Big with Pathway Fund," an initiative designed to empower Black and Ethnically-Minoritised-led charities and social enterprises to scale sustainably and deepen their impact. In collaboration with the Pathway Fund, this programme provides funding and bespoke support to 12 remarkable organisations that are leading change in areas such as climate action, racial equity, education, youth empowerment, employability, and poverty alleviation.

Area of Focus: Cross-sector

Small Green Shoots is a creative development agency that helps disadvantaged young people engage in the arts while building career pathways in the creative industries. Through arts programmes, workshops, and industry mentorships, they provide young people with the skills, experience, and networks needed to build sustainable careers in the arts. Small Green Shoots has been recognised for its work in transforming the lives of young people by connecting them with opportunities in music, theatre, and media. It runs ‘The Young Shoots Programme’ and the ‘The Short Sharp Shot Programme’.

Area of focus: Young people

Vanclaron CIC is committed to supporting individuals with mental health needs and learning disabilities, particularly within Black and Global Majority communities. Its core purpose is to tackle health inequality within these communities, They provide culturally sensitive support services, including mental health education, counselling, and community engagement programmes aimed at promoting well-being and social inclusion. Vanclaron has collaborated with NHS Trusts and community organisations, providing specialised support for over 300 individuals and improving access to culturally appropriate mental health services.

Area of Focus: Health

Communities Inc works to create a more equitable and inclusive society by tackling inequalities and promoting social cohesion through training, support, and empowerment. Through capacity-building initiatives, education programmes, and workshops, Communities Inc equips organisations with the tools to promote equality, foster community ownership, and challenge injustice. With over 11 years of experience, they have built partnerships with entities like the NHS, Nottinghamshire Police, and local councils, helping organisations create inclusive environments for underrepresented groups.

Area of Focus: Community Building (Cross-sector)

Free Your Mind CIC is dedicated to supporting children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. Their mission is to provide therapeutic support to help young people overcome trauma and thrive. They offer one-on-one therapy sessions, group workshops, and professional training for educators and social workers, all based on trauma-informed care models. Free Your Mind has collaborated with schools and local councils to provide therapeutic services and training, positively impacting the lives of children who have experienced abuse.

Area of Focus: Domestic Abuse

Muslim Women’s Council is committed to advocating for gender equality and social justice, focusing on empowering Muslim women and other marginalised communities. They offer educational programmes, community development initiatives, and advocacy services that focus on women’s empowerment, leadership development, and public engagement. The Council has successfully led community projects that raise awareness of social justice issues and promote the active involvement of Muslim women in public life.

Area of Focus: Gender Equity

Avocado Foundation (formerly known as Money4YOUTH) empowers Black-led organisations and individuals by improving financial literacy, resilience, and capacity building, helping to close the funding gap for marginalised communities. Through workshops, training, and mentorship programmes, they teach essential financial management skills to individuals and organisations, enabling them to become financially stable and sustainable. Avocado Foundation has supported over 200 organisations, increasing their ability to raise funds and manage finances effectively.

Area of Focus: Young People & Economic Empowerment

Youth League UK is focused on empowering young people through sports, education, and leadership training. Their mission is to create positive role models and foster community engagement among Black and Global Majority youth. Through sports programmes, leadership workshops, and educational support, Youth League UK helps young people develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in life. Youth League UK has engaged hundreds of young people in sports and leadership programmes, with a focus on reducing youth violence and promoting positive community involvement.

Area of Focus: Young People

BlaST is a network of Black-led socially trading organisations (STOs) in Liverpool City Region. BlaST operates as a collaborating community, dedicated to recognising and amplifying the collective impact and contributions of social business leaders with Black and Ethnic Minority lived experience. BlaST equips its membership with essential skills to grow their social impact.

Foundervine is one of the UK's largest and most vibrant accelerators. We've designed a high-impact training program that provides ambitious entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and support they need to confidently scale their ventures. We recognise that talent and ideas are everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s why we’re dedicated to expanding access to entrepreneurship globally.

Future Impact Ventures partners with early stage technology companies building a Just Transition to net-zero. We support companies that are building high-growth companies, with climate action, socio-economic equity and community voice at the core of their technology and business models. They provide pre-seed and seed investments into Black and Ethnically Minoritised-led teams building companies enabling a just transition to a net-zero society.

Lancashire BME Network is a member-led infrastructure charity that supports and promotes the development of BAME VCS groups throughout Lancashire. To advance the education of the public, primarily but not exclusively minority ethnic and deprived communities in Lancashire in the interest of social welfare for those who have need by reason of their youth, age, disability, ethnicity, social or economic circumstances so as to improve their conditions of life.